The 15 Train Journeys in New Zealand to Lock In Early

1.Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 513 reviews · from $157Our pick

Review the Northern Explorer from Wellington to Auckland, with mountain views, open-air decks, onboard catering, costs, tips, and drawbacks.

“The gentle rocking of the train lulled me into a state of peaceful contemplation as I watched the scenery unfold. Rolling hills gave way to dramatic mountains, their peaks dusted with snow, before transforming into lush green farmland dotted with sheep. Every so often, a charming town would whiz by, a fleeting glimpse into a different pace of life. The comfortable seats and ample legroom allowed me to fully relax and soak in the beauty of my surroundings. It was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a truly unforgettable journey.”

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2.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Top rated

Review of the TranzAlpine train and Arthur’s Pass day trip from Christchurch, with Castle Hill, scenic stops, price, walks, weather tips, and value advice.

“It’s a wonderful day out. The train is comfy, clean and well organised with great service. The bus is fun with Arjun, who is an all-round terrific guide. He looks after everyone very well. The Southern Alps are incredible and the bus tour is really enjoyable. Even if the weather is bad, it’s still a great trip. Be sure to pack for wet weather though!”

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3.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · from $164

Review the Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch, with coastal views, seating tips, onboard food, timing, value, and practical advice.

“The viewing car is awesome take some water and pictures lot's of pictures it is a trip to remember the staff are amazing”

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4.TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 312 reviews · from $151

Review the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, with route highlights, scenery, food, comfort, price, tips, and booking advice.

“Views are amazing. Loved this trip. Well worth doing Take photos before Arthur’s Pass going from Christchurch to greymouth”

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5.Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 272 reviews · from $555

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, then explore mountain roads, forests, Castle Hill, and Cave Stream with a small group.

“Well organized tour securing a spot in the scenic train, with multiple stops along the way to explore areas not easy to get to - all on a day tour! Our guide Manuela was superb as well! Thank you !”

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6.Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 270 reviews · 10 hours · from $245

Ride the TranzAlpine to Arthur’s Pass, walk to waterfalls, spot kea, and explore Castle Hill on a scenic Christchurch day tour.

“The trip was very well organized and our guide Anush took great care of us and provided very interesting and knowledgeable commentary.”

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7.Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 204 reviews · from $164

Review the 11-hour Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington, with volcanic peaks, open-air viewing, practical tips, food, comfort, and value.

“We could not enjoy the experience as the train was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. There was flooding from bad weather.”

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8.Arthur’s Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 202 reviews · from $347

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, hike to waterfalls, visit a sheep farm, and return by road through the Southern Alps.

“Simply, a must see and take day trip! One of the best nature trip I’ve taken. Stunning scenery, lively and informative guide, and a good non-rushed schedule.”

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9.TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 182 reviews · from $151

Review of the TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch, with Arthur’s Pass views, practical tips, pricing, food, seating, and drawbacks.

“Unfortunately our train didn’t run this week due to an incident on the line in early hours. We therefore were offered either full refund or 80% refund and an alternative coach trip to Picton which we took. Got to see much of the tour as roads and train follow the same route.”

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10.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 92 reviews · from $164

Review of the Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Picton, with Kaikoura views, seals, dolphins, practical tips, pricing, and honest advice.

“Very enjoyable trip along the coast, viewing seals, dolphins and the sea scape. Train journey was very relaxing.”

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11.Tranz Alpine Train Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · from $465

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, hike alpine trails, enjoy a picnic, and return by car in one scenic day.

“Our guide Craig was incredible!! So knowledgeable about the history of the countryside and made our trip so special with his flexible relaxed style!”

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12.Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass Day Tour: TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 90 reviews · from $273

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass with Castle Hill, alpine lakes, Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, lunch, and a Kiwi guide.

“A brilliant tour -we saw so much! The additional Jet boat trip was amazing and well worth doing! Clive , our guide was brilliant- friendly, punctual and a wealth of knowledge about South Island. Highly recommend!”

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13.Scenic Railway Tour Through the Taieri Gorge

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 73 reviews · 5 hours · from $95

Review of Dunedin’s 5-hour Taieri Gorge Railway, with historic bridges, high-country views, onboard stories, café tips, and practical advice.

“Tour was excellent with in route commentary a beverage car and toilets. Scenery was amazing once we left the Dunedin area. Would recommend to anyone interested in taking the train that you take lunch or whatever food you may want on the train. Also to have some local currency for beverages as credit cards are only accepted while in internet range or appropriately for first 30 minutes.”

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14.Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · from $35Best value

Ride Coromandel’s hand-built mountain railway through native forest, across ten bridges, to EyeFull Tower and Hauraki Gulf views.

“Great experience well worth going. Staff were excellent and plenty of information given by the train drver”

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15.Christchurch to Franz Josef 1 Way Tour inc TranzAlpine Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 13 reviews · 12 hours · from $328

Review of the Christchurch to Franz Josef tour, including the TranzAlpine train, Hokitika Gorge, lunch, guide tips, value, and practical advice.

“The experience includes pick-up and the iconic scenic train ride across the famous Arthur’s Pass, followed by a guided journey along the West Coast all the way to Franz Josef. Willehm was fantastic from the very beginning of the tour until our arrival in the mountain town. All the stops along the way were beautiful and well chosen. Lunch was included, along with snacks and water — everything was perfectly organized! Highly recommended.”

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